How to Plan a Red-Themed Wedding

While most couples lean on themes, such as “modern” or “bohemian” for the overarching concept of their nuptials, you can also turn to a splashy hue for the focal point of your celebration. A red-themed wedding is a daring yet romantic option for couples looking to make a colorful statement at their soirée. Since the color red symbolizes joy, passion, love, and energy, the color is a natural fit for an event that commemorates a couple’s love story. 

From rust to maroon, painting your big day in red tones is a versatile choice for any type of affair, especially rustic, romantic, or bohemian aesthetics. Planner Allison Jackson explains that a claret red works well for a winter formal function, while a cherry red beautifully complements an outdoor summer bash. If you’re throwing down in the fall, you can use a red wedding theme to channel the vibrant shades of the color that burst from the trees during peak foliage. Since Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the Fourth of July all feature the punchy hue in their décor, saying “I do” during or close to these holidays also makes red an apt choice, according to planner Elana Walker. 

To execute this theme, turn to red as the main shade in your color palette, and then, pair it with complementary colors and textures. “Don’t be afraid to mix red with other vibrant hues, such as jewel tones, or colors close to red on the color wheel, such as coral, orange, or dark pink for a more subdued, sophisticated effect,” Jackson advises.

Think a red-focused color palette might be a fit for your nuptials? We asked the experts to share the best ways to incorporate this vivacious hue into your soirée. Ahead, how to plan a red-themed wedding.

The Invitations

The best way to set the tone of your red-themed bash is by mailing invitations doused in red. White cards engraved with red-colored script sealed in red envelopes is a bold iteration that will clearly communicate your aesthetic. Walker suggests incorporating gold foil script and velvet textures for an elevated look, which befits glamorous or black-tie affairs. For a more subtle approach, you can also feature a slight hint of color. “When it comes to invitations, I like using red as an accent color—perhaps as a bright pop in an illustration or as part of a graphic pattern used within an invitation suite or the wedding-day paper details,” Jackson says.

The Attire

If you’re a bold bride, rocking a red dress on your special day will grab everyone’s attention. For more traditional brides who have their hearts set on wearing a classic white gown, infuse red into your accessories, such as a red clutch, a red pair of heels, or a bouquet of red roses. You can also integrate the bright hue into your beauty look with red lipstick. “A classic red lip will never go out of style: It’s timeless, ageless, and seasonless, and it photographs beautifully,” Jackson says.

For a color-coordinated look, the groom can sport a red tuxedo jacket or add a pop with a red tie. We love a floral printed one for warm-weather nuptials or a silk or velvet material for fall or winter “I dos.” You can even ask your bridesmaids to stand by your side in a red dress that suits the season. 

The Décor

To feature red in your décor, the possibilities are endless. For your ceremony setup, Walker recommends using red flowers as the basis of your arch and aisle arrangements. Consider scarlet and hot pink roses paired with greenery for lush garden services in the spring or burgundy and gold foliage accompanied by pampas grass for earthy bohemian nuptials in autumn. In true celebrity fashion, you can even strut down a walkway made of red carpeting—or red printed rugs for homey rustic aesthetics at a farm or vineyard.

Once you’ve traded vows, bring the high-energy hue to your reception, too. Hosting a glamorous fête? Plant a bed of red and pink roses down the center of your head table, accented with floating candles and set with lucite chargers and gold-rimmed glassware. For tropical aesthetics, centerpieces composed of red anthurium, palm leaves, and monstera leaves will complement bamboo chairs and hanging rattan lanterns. If you’re celebrating at a bohemian post-ceremony party, turn to maroon linen napkins and flowers, paired with textured grasses and woven materials.

Food and Drinks

By including red tones into your food and drink display, your cuisine can also double as décor and help reinforce your theme. To start, get creative with the flavor of your signature cocktails and serve them in a red glass. “I love boozy cranberry Old Fashioneds in the fall, festive pomegranate spritzes in the winter, refreshing raspberry rickeys in the spring, and sweet watermelon margaritas in the summer,” Jackson says. Add colorful appetizers to the lineup, such as grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters in the fall and cherry crostinis in the summer.

At the end of the night, exhibit a red wedding cake. You can either choose a confection covered in red fondant, or accent a neutral base with red berries or flowers. As a bonus, Walker recommends selecting red velvet for a burst of color on the inside.